OCD SACRAMENTO PRESENTS: “OCD AND THE STRONG BLACK WOMAN.” THE COST OF WEARING THE CROWN; THE BURDEN, THE MYTHS, AND THE TRUTH

Presented by Valerie Andrews.

Following her diagnosis in 2011 and after attending her first IOCDF Conference in 2017, Valerie Andrews made a conscious decision to advocate for change. Seeing the need for diversity in the mental health community led to her forming the nonprofit (msmablesparrows) for women of age, color and faith living with OCD. In addition, she accepted the challenge to join forces with the IOCDF as an advocate. She continues in hopes of bringing acknowledgement, awareness and acceptance to communities of color and faith.